Assistant Technical Applications Manager

Industrial Controls | Automation | Gas Detection Systems

An established manufacturer and technology provider in Charleroi, PA, specializing in industrial gas detection, environmental monitoring, automation, and safety systems is seeking an experienced Assistant Technical Applications Manager.

The ideal candidate excels in the realms of engineering, automation, customer support, and practical problem-solving.

This role is far from typical desk-bound engineering, requiring a hands-on technical leader who relishes delving into intricate applications, developing solutions, troubleshooting equipment, assisting customers on-site, and contributing to the advancement of industrial monitoring and control products.

The Opportunity

As an Assistant Technical Applications Manager, you will be a crucial technical authority for industrial gas detection, environmental monitoring, automation, and control systems.

You will collaborate closely with customers and internal teams across the project lifecycle—from initial review and design to testing, commissioning, training, troubleshooting, and ongoing support.

Additionally, you will be instrumental in enhancing products and processes, working hand in hand with engineering teams to oversee product testing, identify issues in the field, and implement customer feedback for product improvements.

If you revel in solving technical challenges, engaging directly with customers, and witnessing engineered solutions come to fruition in real-world settings, this position provides a chance to make a tangible impact.

What You'll Do

• Act as a senior technical expert for industrial gas detection, automation, environmental monitoring, and control applications.
• Collaborate with customers to grasp operational hurdles and devise practical, personalized technical remedies.
• Lead system design endeavors encompassing control structures, automation methods, communications, instrumentation, and system amalgamation.
• Configure, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, and communication systems.
• Oversee technical projects from inception and design to testing, installation, start-up, and commissioning.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, engineering, production, field service, repairs, marketing, and custom product teams.
• Create technical proposals, quotations, system documents, user manuals, and compliance resources.
• Conduct product and system validation, verification, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure performance and dependability.
• Collaborate with design engineers to pinpoint field issues, application upgrades, and opportunities for novel or enhanced products.
• Offer on-site commissioning, start-up aid, troubleshooting, and technical support at customer sites.
• Train customers on system functionality, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimal use practices.
• Demonstrate products and deliver technical presentations to customers, sales teams, and internal staff.
• Assess field service reports for technical accuracy, completeness, work conducted, and final system status.
• Facilitate field service resource alignment based on project needs, technical complexity, staff availability, and customer priorities.
• Institute and uphold application engineering protocols, technical standards, and best practices.
• Mentor and offer technical guidance to application engineers and other technical team members.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives targeting product excellence, reliability, client satisfaction, and operational efficacy.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate melds robust electrical and controls acumen with the capability to troubleshoot real-world issues rather than limited to theoretical scenarios.

• Over 10 years of experience in applications engineering, controls, automation, field engineering, industrial electronics, or a related technical sphere.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Substantial hands-on experience with industrial setups, start-ups, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer site maintenance.
• Experience with programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and/or IDEC PLCs and HMIs is highly desirable.
• Proficient in industrial communication protocols such as Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP.
• Knowledgeable about industrial signals and controls, encompassing 4–20mA, 0–5V, 0–10V, relay logic, and related instrumentation.
• Solid grasp of electrical systems, wiring, schematics, electrical components, and basic circuit theory.
• Hands-on familiarity with diagnostic tools like digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and electronic test equipment.
• Capability to safely conduct voltage, current, continuity, and signal measurements in industrial contexts.
• Strong mechanical inclination, including comprehension of fluid dynamics and pneumatic systems.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose intricate electrical, electronic, automation, and control system issues.
• Understanding of hazardous-location installations, including Class I, II, and III environments, is advantageous.
• Excellent communication prowess with the confidence to lead technical conversations, customer training, presentations, and demonstrations.

A Hands-On Role

This role combines office-based engineering with field support in rigorous industrial environments. Customer locations may encompass manufacturing sites, outdoor industrial facilities, oil and gas installations, and subterranean mining operations.

Candidates should be at ease with:

• Trekking considerable distances with tools or equipment.
• Scaling stairs and ladders to reach elevated or confined work areas.
• Operating within environments featuring dust, noise, vibration, and temperature or weather extremes.
• Adhering to required PPE guidelines, such as hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toe footwear, respirators, and fall-protection gear.
• Traveling as necessary for installations, field service, repairs, and customer assistance.
• Occasionally working extended hours for pivotal start-ups or customer operations.
• Adhering to all relevant safety protocols such as OSHA, MSHA, customer-site, and company mandates.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role presents an exceptional chance for a seasoned controls or applications professional seeking more than the standard engineering position. You'll have the opportunity to design, troubleshoot, lead, educate, enhance products, engage directly with customers, and observe the impact of your efforts in the field.

Our client provides a cooperative, hands-on atmosphere where technical prowess is esteemed, and where you'll directly influence product performance, customer satisfaction, and the organization's sustained growth.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 401(k) matching
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Collaborative team environment